What is the ideal age for photo sessions with newborns?

Has a new member joined your family? Congratulations from the bottom of my heart and I want to tell you that from now on your life will change radically.

A child is a huge responsibility, but also a boundless happiness. Sure, things are a little more difficult at first, but with time, you will adjust to your new job as parents. You'll see how, every time your little one laughs, sleeps softly, plays or even goes for the first time, you'll grab your phone to immediately capture the moment.

But often, because your baby is not sitting still or you don't want to cause discomfort with the flash, the photos come out blurry. But that's why I'm here for, to help you capture memorable moments forever, in great quality. Yes, I work with flash and studio lights too, but you don't have to worry about his eye health and comfort.

NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY - WHAT SCARES PARENTS?

Having been in the business for a while now, I get all sorts of questions, hear all sorts of discussions between parents. The most common fear and question is related to the right age for newborn baby photo sessions.

Not infrequently I have been asked: Isn't the baby too young for photos? My answer is always the same: No. Because I want you to have the most enjoyable experience in your cozy home and for everyone to be relaxed and positive, I don't just stick to that simple answer and seek to find out what exactly is your concern.

In doing so, I find that most parents think about the fact that the flash and studio lights make their little ones' eyes hurt, about sitting in different positions making them feel scared and clingy, about the possibility of sitting uncomfortably, and so on.

Let me enlighten you on these issues and tell you exactly what is the most appropriate age for newborn photographs and why.

THE MOST SUITABLE AGE FOR NEWBORN BABY PHOTO SHOOTS?

If I had to sum up and answer, in as few words as possible, this question I would say: the younger the better.

Because, as I said, I want you to be prepared and informed as much as possible on this issue so I will elaborate on the answer. Clearly and to the point, the ideal age for sessions with newborns is between 5 and 14 days, i.e. in the first two weeks of life.

Don't panic, it's not too early. During this period, the baby is quite sleepy, sleeping up to 10-16 hours a day, still adjusting to the extrauterine environment. For these reasons, he will not be disturbed by sounds and lights around, is much easier to soothe, is more malleable and can easily be placed in different poses. Moreover, in the first weeks after birth, he often sleeps in the fetal position adored in photographs.

After this period, he will not be as flexible, instead he will begin to perceive sounds and lights around him more intensely, become aware of tactile sensations and, on his way to understanding and adapting, will be very restless and agitated. Then there is the incessant crying caused by colic, which starts after about the first two to three weeks after birth.

After all, you've seen some pictures, either in my portfolio, other photographers or on various websites, of how calm babies look in pictures. How do you think I or other photographers would have been able to take such sharp, crisp and expressive photos if the little one hadn't been very docile and collaborated with us?

Believe me, everything is under control! I don't enjoy seeing the little ones crying, scared, upset or bothered by anything either.

Final tip: my recommendation is that if you want such a photo session, make an appointment during your pregnancy, in the second or third trimester, based on your approximate due date. Of course, this can change most of the time, as it is the little one who decides when he or she comes into the world.

However, you wouldn't want to be scrambling around looking for a photographer and making appointments during the ideal two weeks for this type of shoot. This time, which is short anyway, should be made the most of.

Once again, put fear aside and focus on making memories with your new family member.